Axle-brace.



No. 744,116. PATENTED Nov. 17, '1903, c. SCHNEIDER, sa. AXLE BRAGB APPLIUATION FILED JULY 3, 1903r N0 MODEL.

No. 744,116. I

` UNITED STATES Patented November 17, 1903.

PATENT GEEICE.

AXLE-BRAC E.

SPECIFICA TION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 744,1 16, dated November 17, 1903.

Application tiled July 3v, 19.03.

. forits object to produce a device of this character which will be simple of construction, eiiicient in operation, one in which sagging or splitting of the axle will be obviated, and one in which the axle will be braced for withstanding transverse strain.

To these endsthe invention comprises the novel details of construction and combination of parts more fully hereinafter described.

In the accompanying drawings, Figurel is a side elevation of an axle having my improved brace applied thereto. Fig. 2 is abottom plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view.

Referring to the drawings, l indicates a wooden axle or"A ordinary construction formed at its ends into spindles 2, onto which are slipped metal skeins 8. These latter are in accordance with my invention provided each with an integral collar a, upon the outer end of which is formed a peripheral flange 5, constituting a bearing for the inner end of the wheel-hub, said collar having formed upon its normally under face .in rear of the ange a pair of spaced lugs 6, the recess 7 between which extends in a longitudinal direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the axle. The forward end faces of the lugs 6 are inclined backwardly and inwardly, as at 8, for a purpose which will hereinafter appear.

9 indicatesa truss or brace rod formed in two sections united by a turnbuckle 10, the meeting ends of the rod-sections being oppositely threaded and engaged with the buckle, whereby the latter may be manipulated for placing the rod under tension in the well-known manner. The rod 9 extends centrally and longitudinally of the axle, beneath the same, and is provided at its opposite ends with'T-heads ll, which engage each with a pair of the lugs 6, the rod adjacent to the head beingA when the parts are in engagement disposed in the recess 7 between the lugs and the inner face of the T-head beveled or inclined to coincide serai No. 164.240. (No model.)

with the beveled or inclined faces S of the lugs, whereby the parts will be irmly interlocked to prevent accidental releasing of the heads. At this point it may be said that when the parts are in operative engagement, as above explained, and the rod 9 under tension for bracing and strengthening the axle the skeins 3 will be drawn onto and maintained in iirm engagement with the spindles 2, and at the same time any transverse strain of the axle due to the shock of the vehicle -wheel contacting with an obstruction will, owing to the particular shape of the T-head and the fact that the same extends upon opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis of the axle, be borne by said head and transmitted to the rod 9. Thus it will be seen that the head ll serves in effect asV a transverse brace which is situated at one of the weakest points of the axle and serves to obviate liability of the latf ter breaking at said point, as frequently occurs owing to the above-mentioned cause.

In order that the rod 9 may when under tension exert the proper stress upon the axle to prevent sagging and breaking of the same at its longitudinal center, I sustain the rod distant from the under face of the axle preferably by means of a pair of primary struts `12, disposed one adjacent to eachend of the axle, and a pair of secondarystruts i3, which are arranged at suitable points between the primary struts and thelongitudinal center .of the axle. The primary struts are in the form of blocks or heads tapped onto the normally lower ends of bolts 14, which extend transversely through the axle andthe overlying bolster, the struts being provided at their active ends with suitable recesses or seats for the rod 9whereby the rod will be properly sustained against lateral movement and will at the same time serve to lock the blocks in position. The secondary struts are in the form of hollow castings provided at their inner ends with a wall or web l5, perforated for the reception of screws or the like, by means f 14: serve as a bearing or means of attachment neath the vehicle, the ends of the rods being provided with suitable eyes, which encircle the bolt between the axle and the strut-bar l2, whereby the latter prevents escape of the engaging eyes from the bolt. At this point it is to be particularly noticed that the bolt serves the threefold function of a means for preventing splitting of the axle, of a means for attaching the struts l2, and of a means for connecting the axle, bolster, and braceirons 16 and serving as a bearing for the ends of the latter.

It will be readily apparent that in operation when the nut l0 is turned in one direction the rod 9 will be placed under tension for bracing and strengthening the axle and for holding the skeins in position thereon, it being obvious that the skeins mayl by this means be tightened upon the spindles from time to time to compensate for shrinkage of the latter. lVhen the nut is turned in the other direction, the heads of the rod may be readily disengaged from the lug G to permit of disassemblage of the parts.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I produce a device of simple construction which will be strong, durable, and efficient in operation and one which is admirably adapted for the attainment of the ends in view. It is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise details herein set forth, inasmuch as minor changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invcntion.

lman@ I'Iaving thus described my invention, what I claim is- 1. rlhe combination with an axle, of skeins mounted upon the ends thereof, a pair of spaced lugs associated with each skein, the front faces of the lugs being inwardly and backwardly inclined, a truss-rod having T- heads engaging each a pair of the lugs, the engaging faces of the heads being beveled to coincide with the inclined faces of the lugs, means for placing the rod under tension, and one or more struts disposed between the axle and rod.

2. The combination with an axle, of skeins mounted upon the ends thereof, a truss-rod operatively engaging the skeins, means for placing the rod under tension, a bolt extending through the axle, and a strut member tapped onto the bolt and provided with a seat for the rod.

3. The combination with an axle, of skeins mounted upon ends thereof` a truss-rod operatively engaging the skeins, means for placing the rod under tension, a bolt extending through the axle, a brace-rod engaging the bolt, and a strut member tapped onto the bolt for securing the brace thereon and provided with a seat for the truss-rod.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES SCHNEIDER, SR.

Witnesses:

J. H. JOCHUM, Jr., J. Ross CoLHoUN. 

